Integration of Molecular Modelling into the Chemistry Curriculum

这个项目将分子建模整合到Dickinson学院的化学课程中。我们修订课程的一个主要目标是模糊传统化学课程的界限。在一个学期的，以发现为基础的入门课程中，课堂和实验的区别是模糊的。中级和高级课程打破了化学领域的传统划分，反映了一个事实，即化学中的现实问题最好使用跨学科的方法来解决。这一概念在大三和大四化学专业的综合实验序列中得到进一步强调，其中包括来自化学重叠领域的独立实验室项目。第二个目标是教学生可视化分子，了解它们的物理性质并预测它们的化学反应性。这些任务是化学所有学科的核心，并将被纳入每个学生的独立研究项目。主要目标将通过购买来实现：(1)学生电脑，在上面运行分子建模软件；（二）高端计算化学讲师工作站和示范工作站；(3)一个文件服务器加上附加的附件使所有的计算机联网。我们建议使用最先进的分子建模软件和硬件作为课程的统一主题，这些软件和硬件最近才进入本科市场。将复杂的计算机技术纳入我们的课程将有助于学生为化学研究生教育或就业机会做好准备。

9450995 Devino This project will integrate molecular modelling into the chemistry curriculum at Dickinson College. A primary goal of our revised curriculum is to blur the boundaries found in traditional chemistry programs. The distinction between lecture and lab is blurred in the one-semester, discovery-based introductory course. The intermediate and upper level courses break down the traditional divisions within the field of chemistry, reflecting the fact that real-world problems in chemistry are best solved using an interdisciplinary approach. This concept is further emphasized in the Integrated Lab sequence for junior and senior chemistry majors, which includes independent laboratory projects from overlapping areas of chemistry. A second goal is to teach students to visualize molecules, understand their physical properties and predict their chemical reactivity. These tasks are central to all disciplines of chemistry, and will be incorporated into each student's independent research project. The primary goals will be accomplished through purchase of: (1) student computers on which to run molecular modelling software; (2) an instructor workstation for high-end computational chemistry as well as demonstration purposes; and (3) a file server plus additional accessories to network all of the computers. State-of-the-art molecular modelling software and hardware requested here, only recently accessible to the undergraduate market, are the tools we propose to use as the unifying theme in the curriculum. The incorporation of sophisticated computer technology into our curriculum will help prepare students for postgraduate education or employment opportunities in chemistry.